In this episode, host Stephen Rodney sits down with Karen Seward, Director at Seward Advisory Limited, who has held influential leadership positions throughout her legal career. Karen offers a candid and insightful reflection on what it takes to succeed in Big Law from succeeding as a partner to navigating leadership and cultural integration. With firsthand experience leading offices, shaping global strategies, and mentoring future leaders, Karen shares critical lessons on values, resilience, and reinvention in the evolving legal landscape.

Karen Seward recently retired from A&O Shearman after over 20 years of service, including roles as Global Head of Litigation, Co-Chair Americas, and Executive Committee member. Known for her culture-first leadership, Karen led the firm’s expansion on the U.S. West Coast and played a key role in the merger with Shearman & Sterling. Now a qualified coach and founder of Seward Advisory, she continues to advise leaders and sits on nonprofit boards focused on the arts and education.

Expect to Learn:

• The essential traits of successful law firm partners beyond just billing
• How emotional intelligence and pragmatism define modern legal leadership
• Why integration is key for lateral partners and what often goes wrong
• Insights into cultural transformation in global law firms
• What the future of legal work looks like—from hybrid challenges to Gen Z expectations

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

• [00:00] – Teaser
• [01:12] – Welcome to Beyond Billables Podcast
• [02:58] – Karen's Journey from a Shipyard Town to Law Firm Partner
• [07:05] – Key Attributes for a Partner: Client Focus and Courage
• [10:10] – The Leader's Shadow: From Eclipse to Partial Shade
• [13:24] – The Challenge of Lateral Hire Integration and "Reading the Air"
• [19:01] – Building US Offices and Uniting Global Cultures
• [24:44] – The Transition from Practitioner to Law Firm Leader
• [28:14] – Running for Managing Partner and Self-Reflection on Failure
• [35:33] – High-Profile Case: Chasing Stolen Trading Algorithms
• [46:01] – Future Factors for Firm Success: Complexity and Stakeholder Demands
• [49:39] – Life After Law: Coaching, Boards, and Designing a New Career
• [52:02] – One Golden Rule for Being a Successful Partner: Courage

Connect with Karen Seward:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sewardkaren/

Connect with Stephen Rodney:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmrodney/
• Company’s Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intogreat-coaching/

Connect with IntoGreat Coaching:

• Website: https://www.intogreatcoaching.co.uk/
• LinkedIn: